Laban knew perfectly well that the instantaneous transitions between completely contrasting dynamic combinations (so arduously rehearsed in the Diagonal Scale with effort affinities) were quite difficult to perform. So he created other effort sequences that stand as models of gradual and balanced effort change.
In “Effort Harmonies,” we explore these “modulated” effort patterns – not only within the Action Drive, but also within the “transformation drives.” By so doing we will experience physically the given (but often forgotten) wisdom that radical change is hard. One cannot shift from being sad to being happy immediately. Natural changes in mood occur gradually.
Of course, it is also said that “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” So Laban also designed stabilizing effort phrases. He called these unbalanced patterns “knots.” Find out more in the next blog.